The Tribune

THE Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs along with the Department of Local Government will host Local Government Week from May 22 to May 27.

This year, there is “Local government today and beyond, positively impacting local communities”.

Local government elections were held earlier this year and saw the nomination of 622 candidates toward securing one of the 403 seats that became vacant on December 29, 2021.

Of the 149 locations for elections to be held, 89 were contested while 60 were uncontested. This demonstrated a shared and balanced view that confidence remains in local leadership through the Local Government.

This week, many of them will gather in Nassau at Super Club Breezes for numerous workshops aimed at improving the function of Local Government.

Island administrators and other local government practitioners from the 33 districts along with their clerks, for the first time ever, will be in workshops with the Ministry of Finance; the Attorney General’s Office; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Treasury Department; Bahamas Immigration and Customs; the Post Office; Registrar’s General Office; Hotel Licensing; National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA); Departments of Public Works; Physical Planning; Inland Revenue; Road Traffic and the Port Department.

Additionally, those attending will have the opportunity to sit with Cabinet ministers and members of Parliament during a roundtable discussion.

Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting, who has responsibility for Local Government, acknowledged the importance of this arm of government.

“Local government has evolved greatly over the years and we want that to continue. We want to change how people look at Local Government because many family islanders benefit from what they do,” he said.

“Local government practitioners are dedicated to the betterment of their communities and we are excited for the future of Local Government and we are hoping for a week of productive workshops.”

Local government is celebrating 26 years of enactment.

Acting director of local government Neil Campbell said this week the Department of Local Government aims to highlight noteworthy accomplishments.

“It is important to recognise and show appreciation for the many persons who have worked tirelessly and those who continue to ensure that the ideals of local governance and the legacy of local government are espoused and carried on for future generations of family islanders to have a voice in key decisions within their respective islands,” he said.

“Local government presents an excellent opportunity for young people in the Family Islands to step forward and become involved and engaged in local affairs, thereby local government is one of the most effective tools to encourage youth advocacy and participation. Furthermore, local government is the mechanism through which respective governments have been able to decentralize key decisions to allow family islanders the ability to bring about improvements in their islands, respond to local issues in a timely manner and reduce the red tape of getting approvals for basic issues such as, repairs and approvals,” Mr Campbell said.